News and Events from Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Its Time
An inspiring story that re-introduces Africa’s rich diversity to the rest of the world, as M1 (Dead Prez) and Umi (P.O.W.) travel to East Africa and connect with Ukoofulani Mau Mau, a revolutionary youth movement of artists in the slums of Nairobi. Through music, food and culture they break mistaken myths about Africa and collectively travel to Tanzania to connect with former Black Panther members Mzee Pete O’Neal and Mama Charlotte O’Neal. As community organizers working to bridge the gap between generations, the group confronts the challenge from the radical Panther past to the present youth. Interviews with Geronimo Ji Jaga, Davey D, Toni Blackman, Binyavanga Wainaina, and more.

Black August Hip Hop Project
Although it might be outside the average American’s realm of possibilities, the issue of political prisoners being held in American prisons in the U.S. is put forth in this tour de force documentary which not only sheds light on some of the inhuman conditions inside American prisons, but also reintroduces the stories of prisoners such as Sekou Odinga, Metulu Shakur, Herman Bell and others who are serving time, some going on 30 years, for their political activities. It also revisits the FBI’s COINTELPRO program which, according to some, played a hand in the incarceration of several “political prisoners.” Woven throughout the film’s historical commentary is the yearly Black August Hip Hop Festival (in commemoration of the murder of George Jackson in prison as well as other historical events in Black history occurring in August) wherein a group of political activists and political entertainers come together to produce a concert to support and raise awareness of the issue of U.S. political prisoners and American prisons. Commentary and performances by Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, David Banner, Black Thought, Quest Love and Common among others. Also included are interviews with exiled “political prisoner” activists Assata Shakur and Nehanda Abiodun. Co-presented by The Hip Hop Association and WeFlyInk.

Rebirth of the Hip Hop Nation: The Movement
A collection of interviews in underground clubs and hip-hop concerts with old, new, and true school hip-hoppers illuminating the culture of this music and linking “activism” with the messages in rap. “Rebirth” dares to challenge both the players in the film and music industry as well as the viewers on what hip hop is, was and should be. Appearing in the film: KRS ONE, Brother J Xclan, John Forte, Rev. Al Sharpton, Stic Man (Dead Prez), Roekwon & Rza (Wu Tang Clan), Lauryn Hill, Dres (Black Sheep), Bun B, McShan, Nappy Roots, Shop Boyz.

Leimert Park Voices
Leimert Park is known as the mecca for Black art on the West Coast. This film tracks its rich cultural history back to the heyday of Central Ave. to its current threatened demise. It features interviews of celebrated poets, musicians and artists such as Dee Black, Clora Bryant and Paul Calderon.